asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the outcome of any discussions held by his Department, the IDA or any other State agency with Albatros Fertilisers Ltd., New Ross, County Wexford on the financing of that company's losses; if he is aware of the impending job losses in the company; and the steps being taken to prevent them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Company Job Losses.
23.
I understand that representatives of Albatros Fertilisers Ltd. have had separate discussions recently with officers of my Department and officials of the IDA and Fóir Teoranta, to see what assistance might be available in connection with the company's recently announced rationalisation and capital development proposals. The present position is that the IDA and Fóir Teoranta are considering a detailed submission which has just been received from the company.
I am, of course, aware of the impending redundancies recently announced by Albatros. While these job losses are to be deeply regretted, my understanding from Albatros is that this action — together with other rationalisation measures — is essential to safeguard the overall viability of the company, thereby preserving the continuation of operations at New Ross.
On a general note, I am naturally most concerned about the impact of the proposed redundancies on the New Ross area. I have, accordingly, asked the IDA to make a special effort to intensify their activities to promote further industrial development in the region.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
Yesterday I sought to raise on the Adjournment the matter of the cost of a question in this House which I understand now costs on average £200. I understood from your office that you were favourably disposed to allowing the question but not yesterday. In view of the number of questions tabled for answer and the backlog, I would be grateful if you would allow it on the Adjournment today.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
There is a further point I wish to raise. In view of the statement yesterday by the Leader of the Opposition on our neutrality and our position vis-à-vis the EEC sanctions, am I to understand that Fine Gael as a party no longer support Ireland's neutrality unless British interests are to be taken into account——
We cannot discuss that matter now. I am calling Deputy Enright.
It is a very important question——
The Deputy may not discuss that matter now.
Is there any procedure whereby the Leader of the Opposition might make a statement to clarify his position vis-à-vis Ireland's neutrality——
I have told the Deputy that matter does not arise now. I have called Deputy Enright.
With the permission of the Chair, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the ceasing of day care centres in County Offaly and County Laois which will happen in June, July and August.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. Deputy Manning.
The matter I raised is very important.
I do not wish to interrupt the Deputy in his attempt to get one of the last five cars but I would like a written answer to Question No. 291.
I should like written answers to my questions to the Minister for Labour and the Minister for the Public Service — nine question in all.
I wish written answers for Questions Nos. 60 and 645.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of the possible closure of Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire baths arising out of a Private Notice Question which the Chair refused yesterday.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.